How to recover files encrypted by Ryuk ransomware?

Hello, I need help urgently! I recently opened an email attachment which I now understand was fake. It was presented as an Invoice, so I thought it is something important. Soon after I opened it, I saw a text file RyukReadMe.txt file generated on my desktop. When I opened it I realized that all my files are locked now. I do not have much experience with cyber infections, and I do not want to pay the ransom. Is that the only choice?! Please help me, I have several hundred photos that are important to me!

Ryuk ransomware is a relatively new cyberthreat that recently hit the headlines of various security networks, as it managed to extort nearly US$640,000 from victims.[1] While it mainly targets organizations, it is well known that the malware also attacks regular users with somewhat decreased ransom size.

It is highly likely that most users get infected when they open suspicious attachments in the spam email or click on on a disguised hyperlink. That is why it is vital to make sure that the attachment or the link is legitimate before even trying to open it. If victims are more careful online, they would not have to worry how to recover files encrypted by Ryuk ransomware in the first place.

However, many users neglect security procedures, whether it is due to lack of the information or laziness. While general users are most likely to be infected via phishing[2] emails, organizations are highly likely to be affected using brute force[3] targeted attacks.

Before the malware starts to encrypt data, it shuts down several services and processes that are running on Windows machines. Additionally, it stops several anti-malware programs from the operation and attempts to delete Shadow Volume Copies.[4] Then Ryuk ransomware scans the device in order to look for files to encode. It uses a combination RSA-4096 and AES-256 encryption algorithms to lock up data and then drops ransom note RyukReadMe.txt and UNIQUE_ID_DO_NOT_REMOVE.txt, depending if the infected target is an organization or a regular user. Hackers demand a massive amount of 15 – 50 BTC ($100,428 – $334,763) for file release.

Researchers speculate that the malware was most likely created by the infamous Lazarus hacker group that was responsible for Sony hack back in 2014, as well as the devastating WannaCry ransomware attacks. Thus, the virus is operated by high-profile hackers who are willing to extort thousands of dollars. Nevertheless, users should not contact criminals, as there is no guarantee that they will receive the decryptor. More importantly, victims who pay only fund hackers' illegal activities.

The official decryptor has not been released yet, although there are several methods you can use to recover files encrypted by Ryuk ransomware. We prepared a detailed guide below on what you should be doing next, so read it carefully.

Remove Ryuk ransomware using reputable security software

To recover needed system components, please, purchase the licensed version of Reimage Reimage recovery tool.

Users who got their machines infected with should first remove Ryuk ransomware and only then attempt the file recovery. Beware that manual elimination is not a smart idea, as the system might be damaged even further (tampering with system files while not being an IT expert is never recommended). Therefore, use reputable security software instead. After Ryuk ransomware removal is complete, use Reimage to clean up all the mess that the virus left on your computer.

Recover your files encrypted by Ryuk ransomware using data backups

To recover needed system components, please, purchase the licensed version of Reimage Reimage recovery tool.

Using backups is the only guaranteed way that can get your files back. Therefore, it is vital to continually keep backups on a remote drive – such as USB stick or external HDD. Alternatively, the encoded data can be recovered from a virtual disk, such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox and similar. To restore your files using the external drive, use these instructions:

Plug in a storage device to your computer only AFTER you removed Ryuk virus

After the PC detects the external drive, and open the folder that contains your files

Select all the files using Ctrl + A and press Ctrl + C after

Go to the desired destination on your device and press Ctrl + V

Recover your files using Data Recovery Pro

To recover needed system components, please, purchase the licensed version of Reimage Reimage recovery tool.

Data Recovery Pro was created to restore files that were accidentally deleted or lost after the system crash. However, the software can also help victims that need to recover data encrypted by Ryuk ransomware. Thus, it is worth a try:

Download Data Recovery Pro and and follow on-screen instructions to install it on your device

Open the application and set up a scan – pick Full Scan option and click on Start Scan

You can also make the software look for specific files – simply enter a keyword

As soon as the scan is complete, mark all the data you want to get back and press Recover

Resort to Windows Previous Version Feature to recover your files locked up by Ryuk virus

To recover needed system components, please, purchase the licensed version of Reimage Reimage recovery tool.

This method allows you to restore files one-by-one. Therefore, recovering a large amount of data might be impossible. Additionally, you should have System Restore function enabled before the malware infected your computer. If you meed these conditions, follow these steps to recover files encrypted by Ryuk ransomware:

Select an encrypted file you want to restore and right-click it

Choose Properties and then Previous Versions tab

Pick a previous version and click Restore

Recover files and other system components automatically

To recover your files and other system components, you can use free guides by ugetfix.com experts. However, if you feel that you are not experienced enough to implement the whole recovery process yourself, we recommend using recovery solutions listed below. We have tested each of these programs and their effectiveness for you, so all you need to do is to let these tools do all the work.

Offer

We might be affiliated with any product we recommend on the site. Full disclosure in our Agreement of Use. By Downloading any provided Anti-spyware software you agree to our privacy policy and agreement of use.

Do you have any trouble?If you are having problems related to Reimage, you can reach our tech experts to ask them for help. The more details you provide, the better solution they will provide you.

Reimage - a patented specialized Windows repair program. It will diagnose your damaged PC. It will scan all System Files, DLLs and Registry Keys that have been damaged by security threats.Reimage - a patented specialized Mac OS X repair program. It will diagnose your damaged computer. It will scan all System Files and Registry Keys that have been damaged by security threats.This patented repair process uses a database of 25 million components that can replace any damaged or missing file on user's computer.To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Reimage malware removal tool.